ARK proButton Set for Lip Closure and Strength

The ARK proButton Set is a pair of double ended oral motor tools designed to build lip closure and lip strength. It is intended for therapists, school staff and parents working with children and adults on the lip skills that support speech, feeding, drinking and saliva control. The set is based on the traditional button pull exercise, but replaces buttons and string with safer tools that have no small parts or thin string.

How it helps

Each handle has a button at each end, giving four graded sizes across the set. Start with the largest button that fits comfortably. Place it inside the lips, in front of the teeth, and ask the user to close their lips around it while you apply a gentle tug for resistance. As skills improve, move down to smaller buttons, which ask more of the lips. The game-like tug makes practice more engaging.

For schools

• Supports oral motor targets set by a speech and language therapist.
• Numbered button sizes from 1 to 4 make progress simple to track.
• Two colour coded handles help staff choose the right size quickly.
• Washes by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

For parents and home use

• Lets you continue lip strengthening activities between therapy sessions.
• A playful tug and pull activity that can be built into daily routines.
• No small parts or string to manage.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Some children and young people with SEND find it hard to keep their lips closed, which can affect speech sounds, eating, drinking and managing saliva. Short, regular practice with graded tools, guided by a therapist's plan, can help build strength and give consistent support across school and home.

Why lip strength matters

Good lip closure helps keep food and drink in the mouth, supports sounds such as p, b and m, and helps manage saliva. Working against gentle resistance, in small steps from larger to smaller buttons, allows strength and control to build gradually.

If you would like help deciding whether this set suits your learner, our team is happy to help.